To obtain the information researchers contacted Federal agencies, State agencies, and industry sources; reviewed the statutory procedural protections for minors being admitted to psychiatric hospitals in four States; and visited four private psychiatric hospitals to observe the conditions of confinement. The California data showed that the number of minors through age 17 with preadult disorders who were admitted to private facilities decreased from 711 in 1986 to 684 in 1989 and finally to 553 in 1991. Also, the average length of stay decreased from 33 to 25 and then to 19 days in 1986, 1989, and 1991, respectively. In all three of these years, almost two-thirds of the minors' hospitalization costs were paid by private health insurance. According to some health care officials, the health care industry was overly aggressive in marketing inpatient psychiatric services in the 1980's. Health care practices have changed since the 1980's. Changes included improvements in medication management and increased emphasis on external reviews by insurance carriers. Both changes could reduce the number of admissions of minors to private hospitals. Procedural protections for minors placed in psychiatric hospitals vary by State. Concerning conditions of confinement, the study found that the procedures for treating and providing services to minors were similar at all hospitals visited. Hospitals scheduled a substantial portion of each day for patients' treatment and activities and developed treatment programs for each patient on the basis of the severity of the diagnosed illness. Patients were also provided educational services.